Young man remembers sober ways to have fun with Camelot Counseling

Camelot opened Staten Island's first adolescent male residential drug treatment program in 1992. Incredibly, in New York City, there are fewer than 200 beds for youths in programs for chemical dependency. This facility is prepared to house up to 35 young adults who will undergo rehabilitation, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

In this program, these young men receive individual counseling, family therapy, group therapy, multi-family group, vocational services, on-site educational service and participate in recreational activities.

Organizations like the Staten Island Children's Campaign assist agencies such as Camelot in restoring hope to struggling Island youths and provide them with the opportunity to turn lives around. In addition, they provide much needed funding for recreational and extracurricular activities.

This is the case of Martin C:

"No one plans to have an addiction in his or her life. As children, we do not say "When I'm older, I will attempt to destroy my life." Most children dream of becoming astronauts or race-car drivers. Sad part is, most times plans do not turn out the way you hope they will.

"As a kid, I was always a daredevil, climbing trees, riding go-karts and flipping into pools. There wasn't much I wouldn't do until someone mentioned drugs or alcohol. To me, that was crossing the line. No way in my life would I give up a trip to a theme park or hunting with my father for some stupid drugs, or so I thought.

"When high school started, I began a long journey of bad decisions. In an attempt to be one of the 'cool kids,' I began neglecting my school obligations, lying to my parents and forsaking any morals I had. Drinking became way more important than family affairs, and drug use went from an occasional activity to a daily habit. Those fun weekend hunting trips with my father came to a dramatic conclusion. Arguments with my parents became constant and trouble with the law began to appear.

"By the compassion of Camelot Counseling Centers, and in no doubt the grace of God, I was admitted into the Camelot residential facility. Unaware of the positive and life-changing opportunities made possible by Camelot, I was still enraged that I had to live in the program. To my surprise, Camelot was the best thing that could have happened to me.

"Camelot and the Staten Island Children's Campaign have teamed up to provide positive recreational activities. Camelot's recreational program helps clients build communication and positive interaction skills. Participating in day trips to Six Flags Great Adventure, Malibu Dude Ranch, movies and to sporting events has made me realize the importance of sober fun. I, now, sincerely regret ever losing interest in these activities during my drug use.

"Thanks to Camelot and the Children's Campaign, I remember how to have sober fun and can honestly feel as though I am a positive member of society."